United States vs Colombia | Preview | October 11, 2018

After splitting games a month ago against Brazil and Mexico, the US national team will get a taste of more Latin American flair in the next two matches in their Fall Kickoff Series, beginning with facing Colombia at Raymond James Stadium Wednesday night.

Following a 2-0 loss to Brazil at MetLife Stadium, the USMNT defeated Mexico, 1-0, in Nashville on September 11 with New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams scoring the lone goal.

Adams, though, is one of three players invited to this camp who had to withdraw to injury, joining fellow midfielder Weston McKennie and winger Christian Pulisic. This camp also marks the return of veterans Michael Bradley of Toronto FC and goalkeeper Brad Guzan of Atlanta United. They are the only players in the camp over the age of 30.

"When you are building a team, at some point there has to be the proper blend of youth and experience,” interim coach Dave Sarachan said. “As we head into these last four friendlies of the year, I felt the timing was right to begin that transition. I think it’s important to do it earlier than a week before the Gold Cup or a World Cup qualifier.”

United States Outlook

It’s not exactly the side Sarachan drew up on paper – with Adams, McKennie and Pulisic force to pull out to injury. Toronto FC's Marky Delgado was chosen to replace McKennie, while Fafa Picault of the Philadelphia Union is in for Pulisic on the 23-man roster.

As has been the case in previous camps, Sarachan has called in players seeking their first cap. Three of those players are on the backline with New York Red Bulls central defender Aaron Long, who was called into camp last month, but didn’t make an appearance, FC Dallas right back Reggie Cannon and New York City FC left back Ben Sweat joining midfielder Jonathan Amon from Danish side Nordsjælland.

“Both players have had solid seasons, playing a lot of minutes while helping their clubs to good positions in the league,” Sarachan said of Cannon and Sweat. “They both play in positions where I feel we need to improve our overall depth.”

Colombia Outlook

Colombia is set to play its third post-World Cup international friendly with each match being played in the United States.

After rallying to defeat Venezuela, 2-1, in Miami on Sept. 7, Los Cafeteros drew Argentina 0-0 at MetLife Stadium on September 11. After meeting the USMNT on Wednesday, Colombia will meet Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena on October 16.

Interim coach Arturo Reyes has called on 12 players who were part of the World Cup squad, headlined by midfielders James Rodriguez of Bayern Munich and Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado as well as Monaco forward Radamel Falcao.

Four players are seeking their first cap, including 19-year-old Huesca forward Cucho Hernandez

History

The United States’ preferred non-CONCACAF opponent, Colombia has met the US 19 times dating back to a 1961 match in Bogota. The US is 3-12-4 all-time with Colombia winning, 1-0, in the last matchup in the third-place match of the 2016 Copa América Centenario as Villarreal forward Carlos Bacca scored the lone goal in the 31st minute.

Players to Watch

United States — Fafa Picault: An injury replacement for Pulisic, Picault is in fine form in his second year in MLS, helping the Philadelphia Union clinch an Audi 2018 MLS Cup playoff berth on Saturday with two goals and an assist in a 5-1 win over Minnesota United. Picault, who came off the bench at Puerto Rico to earn his first cap on May 22, 2016, has 10 goals and five assists for the Union this season.

Colombia — James Rodriguez: A month ago, the challenge came from Neymar for the young USMNT. Now they face James, another of the best attacking players in the world. In the second of a two-year loan to Bayern Munich from Real Madrid, James is having a bit of a tumultuous campaign, reportedly in a rift with manager Nico Kovac.